Photo by Liamaustin25. Let's dispel the myth that Britain is a rigid nation, almost plastered down in any sphere that characterises it, cooking included. It is in this field, indeed, that each British region is at its best, surprising diners with dishes whose combinations of ingredients, aromas and textures can produce reactions on the palate that are nothing short of heavenly. Would you like to confirm this thesis? Let's take a look at the typical cuisine of the Kent region, and in particular, of its most representative town, Dover, through this unprecedented top ten must-try dishes.
1 - Huffkins
All the simplicity of a sweet, fluffy, sweetbread usually topped with delicious cherries to get your morning off to an energetic start in Dover. If you find yourself staying in the city of the White Cliffs, you must try the fabulous huffkins!
Recommended at: breakfast
Average cost: €5.45
Main ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, fresh yeast
2 - Folkestone Pudding Pie
Also known as Kent Lent pie or Kent pudding pie, Folkestone p udding pie is the perfect synthesis of two seemingly opposing textures: the 'crispiness' of shortcrust pastry and the softness and sweetness of milk, all 'harmonised' by delicious currants.
Recommended for: breakfast, or as a snack
Average cost: €4.50
Main ingredients: thickened milk, shortcrust pastry, currants, nutmeg
3 - Kentish Rarebit
A reinterpretation of a well-known Welsh dish, the Kentish rarebit can be enjoyed as a snack after a meal or the ideal starter for a typical Dover lunch. You could call it a sort of Kentish bruschetta, made with bread or huffing well warmed on a grill and with two ingredients that, when combined, give the palate a riot of flavours.
Recommended at: lunch or as a snack
Average cost: €6.00
Main ingredients: apples, cheese, toast
4 - Lamb's Tail Pie
Dover's chefs are great at 'mixing it up', playing on the sweet-savoury contrast with a few, but effective ingredients: lamb, peas, shortcrust pastry make lamb's tail pie delicious, a must-try in the city's quaint eateries.
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €12.60
Main ingredients: lamb's tails, peas, shortcrust pastry, boiled eggs
5 - Angels on Horseback
Photo by Lana. An almost poetic name for a dish, often served as a hot starter, that once again demonstrates the Dover chefs' unique yet effective ability to skillfully mix sweet and savoury flavours, as well as seafood and meat dishes. Bacon and oysters are like, literally,Angels on Horseback: a name with mysterious but equally fascinating origins for a dish not to be missed in Dover.
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €12.00
Main ingredients: oysters, bacon
6 - Fish & Chips
As is customary in our top ten'very British' dishes, a hearty portion of fish & chips could not be missing, to be eaten strictly'fast & hot'!
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €9.00
Main ingredients: breaded fish (cod), fried potatoes
7 - Gypsy Tart
Photo by Liamaustin25. A true icon of Kent confectionery, the Gypsy tart is made with a few simple ingredients that win you over from the first taste. Try it to believe.
Recommended for: as an after-meal dessert, or as a snack
Average cost: €4.60
Main ingredients: pie crust, evaporated milk, brown sugar
8 - Kentish Cherry Batter Pudding
Dover is a town famous for sweets. Next up is a delicious spoon dessert, Kentish cherry batter pudding, a British reinterpretation of an equally good French dessert.
Recommended as a snack, or as a dessert at the end of a meal
Average cost: €7.00
Main ingredients: cherries, apple juice, eggs, flour
9 - Dover Steak
Although it might not be considered a typical Dover dish, steak is one of the most widely consumed meat dishes in Dover. Whether it's served with a side of potatoes, mushrooms or onion rings, there are two basic rules for eating a steak properly: it must be grilled and served strictly with gravy (the most delicious being Marsala sauce).
Recommended for: lunch, dinner
Average cost: €16.00
Main ingredients: beef steak, mushrooms, marsala sauce
10 - Ginger Cobnut Cake
You can't leave charming Dover without tasting another confectionary institution, the Ginger cobnut cake. Ginger and a very special variety of hazelnuts make this spicy and delicious cake, perfect to be eaten in the company of a steaming English tea.
Recommended: as a dessert or snack
Average cost: €6.70
Main ingredients: ginger, hazelnuts
Where to eat in Dover: best restaurants, pubs and street food
Dover, like all English cities, has no particular culinary tradition. But there are some signature dishes that you should definitely try during your stay in the city!
Of course, there is no shortage of international cuisine restaurants - your every craving will be satisfied in the city! In the old town you will really find all kinds of cuisine, the choice is yours!
1 - The White Horse
Description: located near Dover Castle and the ruins of the Norman church; restaurant dating back to 1365, an icon of the city; great burgers, fish and meat dishes, children's menu also available
Speciality: burgers
Average price: from €15.00 per person
Address: St James St, Dover - Get directions
2 - The Pines Garden Tea Room and Museum
Description: great for a light lunch or a good snack; it is a museum that has a small restaurant and a tea room where you can have a great tea accompanied by delicious cakes; reservation recommended
Speciality: homemade savoury pies and cakes
Average price: from €10.00 per person
Address: Beach Rd, St Margaret's at Cliffe, St Margarets Bay, Dover - Get directions
3 - The Happy Chef
Description: a cosy, informal restaurant located in the old town; specialises in brunch; great for lunch, closed for dinner
Speciality: brunch
Average price: from €10.00 per person
Address: Snargate St, Dover - Get directions
4 - Wheeler's Fish and Chips Dover
Description: modern and cosy place located on the waterfront, with outdoor tables in warm weather; excellent fish dishes, always fresh; try the Pudding of the day
Speciality: Pudding of the day
Average price: from €15.00 per person
Address: Waterfront, Waterloo Cres, Dover - Get directions
5 - The Smugglers
Description: traditional English pub with wooden interior and informal, friendly staff; great food, you can choose between fish (recommended catch of the day) and meat dishes
Speciality: fresh catch of the day
Average price: from €15.00 per person
Address: High St, St Margaret's at Cliffe, Dover - Get directions
